What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex Calder #1
On the Edge by Michael Ridpath
Jean-Luc Martel wants to become the greatest hedge fund manager of his generation and “The Man Who Broke the Euro”.From his past as an RAF fighter pilot to his job as a bond trader in the City, Alex Calder is a man known for taking big risks – and winning.When colleague Jennifer Tan decides to pursue a sexual harassment case against her boss, Calder witnesses the ugly side of his world. And the tragic. For Jen commits suicide and Calder quits in disgust.One year on, Calder is running a flying school in Norfolk. But the past won’t disappear.When a former colleague of Jen's vanishes while visiting Jean-Luc Martel in his mountain paradise in Wyoming, Calder sees the tragic events of twelve months earlier in even more sinister and terrifying light.It’s time for him to risk reputation, livelihood and even his life to see that justice is done.
Paperback
First published April 7, 2005
322 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Michael Ridpath
68 books311 followersBefore becoming a writer, Michael Ridpath used to work as a bond trader in the City of London. After writing several financial thrillers, which were published in over 30 languages, he began a crime series featuring the Icelandic detective Magnus Jonson. He has also written five stand-alone thrillers, the latest of which is The Diplomat’s Wife, published in February 2021. He lives in London.
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
And if you want a free copy of his novella, The Polar Bear Killing, and to sign up to his quarterly newsletter, just click this link: http://eepurl.com/dlzgFH
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2017
A financial thriller, involving cut-throat bond trading and derivative trading with a megalomaniac hedge fund trader - our hero is an ex-fighter pilot bond trader who finds himself following up a suicide or murder mystery.
January 1, 2023
With a background of high finance, the main character discovers corruption through a series of modern business many illegal activities. This is a well written account of crime and passion in the high finance circles
March 6, 2018
Very interesting financial angle
This is a mystery with a financial angle. It goes in to great detail about stocks, bonds, derivatives and so forth. While very interesting, it does boggle the mind a bit. The mystery part and of course Calder, are the main attraction. I can see Calder becoming a Jack Reacher Everyman if the series progresses. Needs a bit of editing and proofreading and is a stand-alone book, but I’m still reading the next Calder book. Just read it already!
This is a mystery with a financial angle. It goes in to great detail about stocks, bonds, derivatives and so forth. While very interesting, it does boggle the mind a bit. The mystery part and of course Calder, are the main attraction. I can see Calder becoming a Jack Reacher Everyman if the series progresses. Needs a bit of editing and proofreading and is a stand-alone book, but I’m still reading the next Calder book. Just read it already!
September 24, 2024
Can High Finance be the Subject of a Thriller?
The answer is definitely "yes." Calder is a big time trader, who sees an injustice done to a fellow employee. Most people would choose not to get involved, but not Calder. The result is a thrilling story that covers two Continents and a murderous ego maniac that provides a great read.
The answer is definitely "yes." Calder is a big time trader, who sees an injustice done to a fellow employee. Most people would choose not to get involved, but not Calder. The result is a thrilling story that covers two Continents and a murderous ego maniac that provides a great read.
July 24, 2023
Top notch
Mr. RIDPATH ie the best British writer I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Suspense, reality, location descriptions , made a great story . I eagerly look forward to another.
Mr. RIDPATH ie the best British writer I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Suspense, reality, location descriptions , made a great story . I eagerly look forward to another.
March 24, 2024
Enticing story set in the financial world of London. The unravelling of the unexpected deaths and one man's courage and risk leads to the final showdown.
March 11, 2018
Another outstanding read from Michael Ridpath. I’ve found my new favorite series. Alex Calder is a realistic character: a former RAF pilot who transitions into a career in London’s financial district. Calder finds himself drawn into a mystery surrounding the death of one colleague and the disappearance of another.
Ridpath incorporates some of the life of a bond-trader for atmosphere and context. But he doesn’t go so far into the weeds as to lose a reader w/ little or no experience in the field.
Ridpath grabs the reader by the lapels and throws him into the path of this on-rushing train called a plot! I made the mistake of starting the book late one evening, just to read a few pages to get the feel for the book. Much, much later I finally had to set the book aside to get some rest for the work day ahead. And even then it was not easy setting it down. At work I found myself eagerly anticipating getting home so I could continue reading. This book is truly an addictive read.
As always, the characters are well-developed, and readers can readily identify with them. Calder is not some super-human, ultra-alert, wary, highly skilled former assassin (of which there are an over-abundance in recent literature). He’s a normal guy. He makes mistakes; he doesn’t always see the dangers lurking; he sometimes acts impulsively, w/ unfortunate, dangerous — or deadly — consequences. But he is principled and tries to do the right thing. He is likable and the reader will easily root for him in the conflicts.
Even the villains have a human element to them. Ridpath gives them enough depth to allow the reader to have sympathy for them. They are not thoroughly evil. They are normal people who have lost balance and perspective. The reader can identify with them as well as the protagonist. Yet Ridpath, even while humanizing them and giving them sympathetic qualities, never makes excuses for his villains.
The geographic settings are vividly described. You clearly see the Grand Tetons; hear the swish of the skis, the roar of a snowmobile engine; the feel of tires sliding on ice, the tension and panic of a rapidly approaching mid-air collision, the desperation and the burning lungs of drowning, ... Character development and setting are two strong points of a Michael Ridpath novel, and this one has both in abundance.
As with all Ridpath books, the plot has twists and turns and wonderful complexity. The story flows easily. The plot twists jump out of nowhere. Even as you think you have the resolution figured out, Ridpath has a couple surprises in store. At one point, I knew there were a couple ways the story could end. But suddenly a new betrayal blind-sided me. So delightful!!!
Ever the master of a great ending, Ridpath concludes this book with the door slightly ajar for more adventures. I know there is a sequel, and I eagerly anticipate reading it — though I don’t dare start it late in the evening if I have to go to work the next day.
I have recommended this book to other avid readers among my friends. And I recommend it without hesitation to you. Enjoy.
Ridpath incorporates some of the life of a bond-trader for atmosphere and context. But he doesn’t go so far into the weeds as to lose a reader w/ little or no experience in the field.
Ridpath grabs the reader by the lapels and throws him into the path of this on-rushing train called a plot! I made the mistake of starting the book late one evening, just to read a few pages to get the feel for the book. Much, much later I finally had to set the book aside to get some rest for the work day ahead. And even then it was not easy setting it down. At work I found myself eagerly anticipating getting home so I could continue reading. This book is truly an addictive read.
As always, the characters are well-developed, and readers can readily identify with them. Calder is not some super-human, ultra-alert, wary, highly skilled former assassin (of which there are an over-abundance in recent literature). He’s a normal guy. He makes mistakes; he doesn’t always see the dangers lurking; he sometimes acts impulsively, w/ unfortunate, dangerous — or deadly — consequences. But he is principled and tries to do the right thing. He is likable and the reader will easily root for him in the conflicts.
Even the villains have a human element to them. Ridpath gives them enough depth to allow the reader to have sympathy for them. They are not thoroughly evil. They are normal people who have lost balance and perspective. The reader can identify with them as well as the protagonist. Yet Ridpath, even while humanizing them and giving them sympathetic qualities, never makes excuses for his villains.
The geographic settings are vividly described. You clearly see the Grand Tetons; hear the swish of the skis, the roar of a snowmobile engine; the feel of tires sliding on ice, the tension and panic of a rapidly approaching mid-air collision, the desperation and the burning lungs of drowning, ... Character development and setting are two strong points of a Michael Ridpath novel, and this one has both in abundance.
As with all Ridpath books, the plot has twists and turns and wonderful complexity. The story flows easily. The plot twists jump out of nowhere. Even as you think you have the resolution figured out, Ridpath has a couple surprises in store. At one point, I knew there were a couple ways the story could end. But suddenly a new betrayal blind-sided me. So delightful!!!
Ever the master of a great ending, Ridpath concludes this book with the door slightly ajar for more adventures. I know there is a sequel, and I eagerly anticipate reading it — though I don’t dare start it late in the evening if I have to go to work the next day.
I have recommended this book to other avid readers among my friends. And I recommend it without hesitation to you. Enjoy.
January 10, 2023
Alex Calder is an ex-RAF fighter pilot who switched to working for an investment bank after an accident. When a work colleague dies after filing a complaint against a former manager Alex quits in disgust at the way she was treated. However, he can't really accept that she had committed suicide and a year later when another former colleague dies he is determined to finally discover the truth.
This brings him to conflict with powerful, greedy men who's whole world revolves around money. The world he had walked away from.
This book is set in the world of hedge funds, derivatives, investment banks and deceitful people. Unfortunately, it's a bit drawn out with all the twists and turns. There are lots of red herrings and in the end there are still some unanswered questions. It's mostly enjoyable but the stupidity of some of the characters leaves me feeling a bit cold.
This brings him to conflict with powerful, greedy men who's whole world revolves around money. The world he had walked away from.
This book is set in the world of hedge funds, derivatives, investment banks and deceitful people. Unfortunately, it's a bit drawn out with all the twists and turns. There are lots of red herrings and in the end there are still some unanswered questions. It's mostly enjoyable but the stupidity of some of the characters leaves me feeling a bit cold.
April 17, 2018
Alex Calder, an investment banker, gets his man!
A former RAF Hurricane pilot crashes and finds a "safer" career managing other people's money. A young American working with him is treated shabbily by Calder's boss and this begins the story. After her murder Alex goes on the hunt. That is the theme and driving thread behind this novel; which gets into great details of financial shenanigans. This novel highlights a power play by London, New York and Jackson Hole, WY financial giants. This is an interesting read!
A former RAF Hurricane pilot crashes and finds a "safer" career managing other people's money. A young American working with him is treated shabbily by Calder's boss and this begins the story. After her murder Alex goes on the hunt. That is the theme and driving thread behind this novel; which gets into great details of financial shenanigans. This novel highlights a power play by London, New York and Jackson Hole, WY financial giants. This is an interesting read!
April 11, 2023
I enjoyed this book and, after a while, wanted to keep on reading rather than do things that needed doing. At first it was a bit difficult to get going, I found all the financial stuff a bit hard to get my head around, but when the story reached the stage where the action was really going it was great.
It must have been written quite some time ago, betraying its age a little by references to technology that was once leading-edge but is now obsolete. (Anyone remember "Palm" devices?)
In short - well worth reading, and I'll be looking out for more by this author.
It must have been written quite some time ago, betraying its age a little by references to technology that was once leading-edge but is now obsolete. (Anyone remember "Palm" devices?)
In short - well worth reading, and I'll be looking out for more by this author.
July 10, 2024
Couldn’t even finish
The first 3/4 of the book was actually reasonably well done. Then it started going downhill and just kept getting worse. I normally only finish books and review them if they are reasonable, but in this case I only kept reading to decide between a two and three rating (which I’ve never given before.) I was almost at the end when I realized what a waste of time this was. A zero rating would have been more appropriate. My guess is this review won’t actually appear, and I won’t bother to check whether I’m correct or not.
The first 3/4 of the book was actually reasonably well done. Then it started going downhill and just kept getting worse. I normally only finish books and review them if they are reasonable, but in this case I only kept reading to decide between a two and three rating (which I’ve never given before.) I was almost at the end when I realized what a waste of time this was. A zero rating would have been more appropriate. My guess is this review won’t actually appear, and I won’t bother to check whether I’m correct or not.
November 20, 2020
I knew nothing about finance before I read this and not much more now, but I enjoyed the tale.
Well written, with credible characters and realistic dialogue. The setting is unusual, to say the least. The plot moves at a good pace and is as believable as most crime or murder dramas. For me the only downside was the complexity of some financial instruments, despite the author's attempts to explain them.
Well written, with credible characters and realistic dialogue. The setting is unusual, to say the least. The plot moves at a good pace and is as believable as most crime or murder dramas. For me the only downside was the complexity of some financial instruments, despite the author's attempts to explain them.
January 8, 2023
Not for me but I persevered to finish it. there was just too much financial wrangling involvement for my liking and so many characters introduced, many with names I couldn't pronounce. It was very cut throat with action but also a lot of side stories. there were some strong key characters, it was well written as books go with plenty of description. I know many will enjoy this type of book but it just wasn't my scene so won't be reading mire like this.
February 14, 2018
A frightening look into financial markets
At first I thought this would all be over my head but it isn’t necessary to understand all about the trading jargon to really enjoy the exciting chase. Who would win? The ending was a surprise to me but very satisfying!
Hooray Michael for another good read!
I look forward to “See No Evil”.
At first I thought this would all be over my head but it isn’t necessary to understand all about the trading jargon to really enjoy the exciting chase. Who would win? The ending was a surprise to me but very satisfying!
Hooray Michael for another good read!
I look forward to “See No Evil”.
January 5, 2023
Easy to get in to, and some interesting dialogue on bond and investment markets.
Gets a bit muddled in the middle with odd happenings and getouts.
Then the finale under the mighty Tetons just got a bit over the top and uninteresting, with a very abrupt feeling to the end of it which disappointed a bit and left the book with a 3 instead of a 4.
Happy to try more Ridpath's still.
Gets a bit muddled in the middle with odd happenings and getouts.
Then the finale under the mighty Tetons just got a bit over the top and uninteresting, with a very abrupt feeling to the end of it which disappointed a bit and left the book with a 3 instead of a 4.
Happy to try more Ridpath's still.
December 22, 2024
A good read. After Ken Follett's disapointing Paper Money this ...
I couldn't stop reading! Not too heavy but none the less a well written thriller. A good read. After Ken Follett's disapointing Paper Money this was much better. I was referred to Ridpath having read a review in the Literary Review. UK.
I couldn't stop reading! Not too heavy but none the less a well written thriller. A good read. After Ken Follett's disapointing Paper Money this was much better. I was referred to Ridpath having read a review in the Literary Review. UK.
April 17, 2018
I enjoyed reading this financial thriller novel about Alex Calder, former fighter-pilot who becomes a bond trader. I would recommend it to anyone interested in thrillers. The financial aspects do not slow down the pace of the story. Rather, they provide an interesting backdrop.
August 23, 2018
An interesting tale of international finance. The story gets into the details of how the relative strength of different countries currencies affect the value of stock deals. Airplanes, snow machines and skis add to the adventure.
May 14, 2019
Too much of economy details. Couldn't figure out when the real thriller would stat, so I decided after reading about 15% to move into another book. Couldn't read more than few pages every day.
March 20, 2024
From London to Jackson Hole the action never stops.
July 31, 2014
This is quite a deep and heavily layered thriller about derivatives, trading bonds, money markets, and greedy, power hungry bankers. I loved it, and couldn’t get enough of it – Ridpath has a knack of making you read on and on.
The main character, Calder, is a decent sort of guy, a bit boring, he seems to have no flaws other than a desire for risk, which he manages to control, so it’s not really a flaw. Anyway, he is enough to carry you through the story - which is purely plot driven - and have you learning bits and pieces along the way, like what a derivative is, and how bond trading works. That might sound boring, but the author slips it in here and there where it matters for the plot, so it works ok, although Ridpath didn’t explain Derivatives any better than anyone else. According to him they are “sophisticated” financial packages….whatever.
The villain is Marcel, and he is just one giant ego, greedy for power. Unfortunately, he has trouble in the bedroom, and gets paranoid that his wife is having an affair. Meanwhile, he causes the Italian government to pull out of the Euro, and employs a hitman to bump off anyone who uncovers his criminal trading activities. But good guy Calder figures it all out and action ensues….
What you would expect of John Grisham, if he was English and had worked in a bank instead of a law firm. The writing is pretty good, the depth of character is adequate (I don’t think there was a single case of 2D here), and the plot hooks you in a dainty way at first, but slowly but surely takes its grip and drags you through to the final pages.
I am glad to discover this writer and am reading 66 Degrees North right now.
The main character, Calder, is a decent sort of guy, a bit boring, he seems to have no flaws other than a desire for risk, which he manages to control, so it’s not really a flaw. Anyway, he is enough to carry you through the story - which is purely plot driven - and have you learning bits and pieces along the way, like what a derivative is, and how bond trading works. That might sound boring, but the author slips it in here and there where it matters for the plot, so it works ok, although Ridpath didn’t explain Derivatives any better than anyone else. According to him they are “sophisticated” financial packages….whatever.
The villain is Marcel, and he is just one giant ego, greedy for power. Unfortunately, he has trouble in the bedroom, and gets paranoid that his wife is having an affair. Meanwhile, he causes the Italian government to pull out of the Euro, and employs a hitman to bump off anyone who uncovers his criminal trading activities. But good guy Calder figures it all out and action ensues….
What you would expect of John Grisham, if he was English and had worked in a bank instead of a law firm. The writing is pretty good, the depth of character is adequate (I don’t think there was a single case of 2D here), and the plot hooks you in a dainty way at first, but slowly but surely takes its grip and drags you through to the final pages.
I am glad to discover this writer and am reading 66 Degrees North right now.
September 22, 2012
I loved this book. Well-plotted, interesting, and suspenseful, and by a long way the best financial thriller I've ever read (and I've read a few since I'm trying to write a financial thriller). An honourable and uncorrupt ex-RAF financier tries to avenge his female colleague while uncovering a scandal that could endanger the financial system.
Very John Grisham-like, but with more chases on skis and snowmobiles. And, unlike with Grisham, most of the people trying to kill the characters are their workmates! (thank goodness I've never worked somewhere that toxic)
I couldn't stop laughing at the villainous and egotistical Marcel. Very very funny.
Very John Grisham-like, but with more chases on skis and snowmobiles. And, unlike with Grisham, most of the people trying to kill the characters are their workmates! (thank goodness I've never worked somewhere that toxic)
I couldn't stop laughing at the villainous and egotistical Marcel. Very very funny.
August 17, 2012
A fast paced adventure thriller set both in England and Canada. It was as exciting read and I liked the main character Alex Calder,a man wth a conscience, a former city trader, now the proud owner of a small airfield and flying school. The plot is both interesting and suspenseful.
April 15, 2013
Gelezen in november 2009
en gelezen in mei 2007 - dubbel gelezen dus - lekker handig
en gelezen in mei 2007 - dubbel gelezen dus - lekker handig
May 2, 2017
A good read. A thriller like a Grisham but about the financial world. The hero is a likeable character. It is full of financial phrases that I didn't fully understand but I didn't need to to enjoy the book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews